Editor's note: we just received word from First Selectman Rudy Marconi that C - 130 aircrafts are confirmed for Memorial Day and will be kicking off the parade with a patriotic "flyover".
Overview of the Ridgefield's 2015 Memorial Day Parade with Coordinator Denis Loncto
One of the biggest events to start off the Ridgefield summer is the annual town Memorial Day parade. Every year a plethora of local businesses and organizations gather to get involved in the local event. Hundreds of people come out to enjoy in the festivities and also to recognize appreciate the men and women who have dedicated their lives to our country. I spoke with Denis Loncto the parade coordinator to gather the details on this years parade.
Q: Who are this year’s Grand Marshals?
A: There is one Grand Marshal and one Honorary Grand Marshal. The official Grand Marshal is Vincent Ciuccoli who is a member of the United States Armed Forces. The honorary Grand Marshal is a man by the name of Jack Herr who is a member of the American Legion of post 78. He is a veteran and the long time point person in charge of bringing bands to the town of Ridgefield.
Q: Could you tell me a bit about the various organizations participating in this year’s parade?
A: Yes, we have upwards of 70 organizations participating. They range from The Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield, the town's boy scout troops and cub scout packs including girl scouts. For the first time we will have a Drum Hill Chapter of Wilton's Daughters of the American Revolution. There will be town volunteer and career firefighters, Keeler Tavern, Knights of Columbus, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, Ridgefield Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Ridgefield Lions Club, and The Prospector Theatre.
Q: Why did the town decide to have the American Legion organize the parade this year?
A: The town is the sponsor of the parade, not many people know that it is the American Legion that for years has organized the parade, however it is not the American Legion's parade.
Q: Can you give me a general overview of the program this year, is there anything different?
A: Well there is not really anything different. The American Legion has been with the town since 1971 I think not much has changed, the prime feature of the parade is the involvement of all of the town organizations. Memorial day itself is more than just a day for picnics and marches down the street it is really a day set aside to respect and remember the veterans who have served our country. There are veterans in the parade who fought in World War II, The Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Really it is a parade organized to respect and honor the men and I emphasize the women serving in the armed forces.
Q: Will you have the Navy jets fly overhead to kick off the start of the of parade this year?
A: We have gotten a commitment, but I’m not really sure what type of aircraft will fly over from the Connecticut Air National Guard. But I emphasize there is a whole host of things that could happen that eliminate that feature from the parade. ‘
Denis Loncto concluded by saying that the parade will begin at 11:30 am Monday May 25th, starting with the vehicle line up at 9:30 and the marchers meeting at 10:30 am on the grounds of Jesse Lee Church before the start of the parade.